The Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) is the sole trustee of the Commonwealth's underwater heritage, promoting and protecting the public's interests in these resources for recreational, economic, environmental, and historical purposes. BUAR has six statutory appointees or their designees:

State Archaeologist

State Archivist

Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Waterways Director

Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Director

Environmental Law Enforcement Director

Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) Executive Director

BUAR also has three gubernatorial appointees: a marine archaeologist and two diving community representatives. Board members serve without compensation.